| Psalm 100:4 – “Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name.” |
Sometimes, you need someone to frame gratitude in a different way.
I listen to a small podcast on the way to the gym every morning.
One morning the host said we need to “say thanks more than please.”
I thought about that. It is simple isn’t it.
Instead of wanting so much, say thank you for what you have.
What would happen if you went through an entire day thanking people for what they did rather than expecting them to do something for you.
Today, as the last-minute shoppers snap at grocery checkout people, they are irritated at prices and long lines. They demand, “why can’t you do this faster?” What if you said, “I want to thank you for working today. I know you would have rather been with your family, and I appreciate it.”
Or the next time you are at a restaurant. They all have shortages of employees. A woman carries a tray full of food. It is for three tables. You hear people grumble. She is doing something for you, so instead of asking for more to drink, tell her how much you appreciate her hard work making your experience worthwhile.
What happens if we do that with God?
What do prayers sound like?
For most, it is the wants of life…please before thank you.
But what has God done for you? When was the last time you told Him?
Something amazed Jesus in Luke 17.
It is the story of 10 lepers.
They all want something from him…they all want cleansing and healing.
It is one that comes back to thank him…a Samaritan who has been shunned by the Jews.
Jesus is astonished because he got more requests for help but here was a man who appreciated his gift.
So, this week, say thanks before you say please.
–Robert G. Taylor
robertgtaylor.com
